There’s nothing like the merriment of a warm, family-filled holiday at home. And while you enjoy your time with family, food, festivities and fun, remember these safety tips to protect those you love.

Use Candles With Caution

Everyone loves the ambiance that candles create in a home, but always remember they can be a fire hazard. Any time you have an open flame, it’s essential you stay alert and aware. Be sure to provide at least a foot of clearance on all sides around a burning candle. Don’t leave them unattended, and never leave children alone near an open flame. Put your candles up out of reach. For a safer alternative, consider opting for battery-operated LED candles this year.

Check Your Holiday Lights

Just because your favorite strings of lights were working and safe last year, doesn’t mean they are ideal for this year. When you pull them out of storage, plan to inspect them thoroughly. Look for any frayed wiring from animals nibbling on them in the attic or from general wear and tear. Be on the lookout for loose or broken bulbs, as well. When you replace them, make sure the voltage and wattage are correct for the string of light’s you’re working on.

Care for Your Christmas Tree

If you choose to decorate a real tree this year, there are specific safety tips to keep in mind. You must water your tree every single day. Fresh trees can consume a lot of water, so make sure there is always water in the tree stand. A dried-tree is a very dangerous fire hazard, which could ignite easily and burn quickly.

Be Smart With Your Plugs

The holidays are often the time of year when people test the limits of their power strips and extension cords. Know the limits for each of these and never exceed them. Remember the scene in “Christmas Vacation” that showed Clark’s wiring? Don’t try that.

Be Mindful of Heating Sources

Many people in our community rely on extra heating sources during the coldest months. Fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters all should be used with care. Fireplaces are great for shorter fires. Keep the screen closed to keep ashes and embers from escaping, and be sure to open the glass to draw the cooler air up the chimney. Always plan to be in the room with a wood burning fire going. And for wood stoves, keep them closed while you’re using them and children away from the stove and tools. Space heaters can present many hazards of their own. Purchase ones with automatic shut-off, if possible, in the event they are tipped over. And be sure to keep them away from any flammable objects.

At PWCFRS, we’re not only committed to fighting fires in our community, but also to educating community members to help prevent fires. We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Are you looking for a change? Here in Prince William County, the volunteer departments provide fire and emergency medical services to the County’s citizens and visitors during weekday evenings, weekends and holidays. Prince William County’s volunteer fire and rescue departments are seeking motivated individuals who have the desire to make a difference and provide an important service to their community. Learn more now.